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Interview with Dr. Lynwood Tahit on Community Development

May 17, 2025

Lecture Notes: Interview with Dr. Linwood Tauheed

Introduction

  • Host: Carlos Nelson, Cascade Media Group
  • Guest: Dr. Linwood Tauheed, Professor of Economics at UMKC
  • Discussion on Dr. Tahit’s background, contributions, and projects in community development.

Dr. Lynwood Tahit’s Background

  • Current Role: Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC)
  • Career Path:
    • Started as a student at UMKC in the late 70s, graduated in 1984 with a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics.
    • Founded Tahib Associates in 1987 - a software development and systems integration company.
    • Returned to UMKC in 1997 to pursue a degree in Economics, completed a Ph.D. in 2005.
    • Active in the Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City.
  • Teaching: Institutional economics, community economic development, history of economic thought at UMKC.
  • Personal Background:
    • Moved from Philadelphia to Kansas City in 1975.
    • Formerly involved with the Nation of Islam as an educator.

Community Economic Development

  • Focus:
    • Empowering communities for self-led development.
    • Broader than just business development; includes education, health, and strategic planning.
  • Projects:
    • Involved with processes like the We Development initiative and credit union in Kansas City.
    • Aiming to expand community economic development internationally, particularly in the African diaspora.

Global Economic Discussions

  • Reparations:
    • Discussed ongoing challenges and movements for reparations for descendants of enslaved Africans.
    • Mention of international efforts for restitution by European colonial powers.
  • Sahel Region and African Sovereignty:
    • Recent movements for independence from French economic control in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
    • Issues of monetary sovereignty and control over natural resources.

Malcolm X Centennial

  • Personal Influence:
    • Dr. Tahit was influenced by Malcolm X’s focus on black liberation and upliftment.
    • Discussed Malcolm X’s conversion and impact on the Nation of Islam and the black community.
  • Centennial Celebrations:
    • Various events planned nationwide and globally.
    • In Kansas City, sponsored by institutions like the Public Library and the Kenya Institute.

Conclusion

  • Future Endeavors:
    • Expanding community development work to an international scale.
    • Promoting unity and diversity within the African diaspora.

Closing Remarks

  • Emphasized the importance of investing in the community as a form of self-investment.
  • Mention of Kansas City Business Association’s commitment to community improvement.

Full transcript